Liam Miller set to make A-League return for Brisbane Roar's clash with Adelaide United

Most A-League teams would sweat on former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller's return from injury.

But Roar team-mate Luke Brattan believes ladder-leaders Brisbane have already shown it does not matter who runs out for them.

Still, Brattan, 23, sounded like a starry-eyed fan when he spoke of the likelihood of Irish import Miller returning from a calf complaint in Adelaide on Friday night.

"Manchester United has been my favourite club since I was young and now he's here," Brattan said on Tuesday.

"In the pre-season, when he first came in, he gelled straight away. That's the sign of a quality player.

"He is a big boost for the team."

However, Brattan insisted a testing pre-season had ensured no matter who donned the orange and black, Brisbane would be a force to be reckoned with in 2013/14.

So far, his theory checks out.

Youngsters Corey Brown, Kwame Yeboah, Brandon Borrello, Matt Acton and Patrick Theodore have all impressed to help Brisbane open up a three-point lead on top of the table despite missing the likes of Miller, Shane Stefanutto, Michael Theo and Jade North.

"With the players that we have that are out and we are still getting results, it's a credit to the boys who have come in and done the job," Brattan said.

"I think it comes down to our pre-season. We didn't cut corners."

While Miller looks likely to receive the green light on Friday night, Stefanutto (hamstring) is not expected back until next week.